Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressive Critique of the Founding

FAIN: FB-52351-06

Jean Yarbrough
Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME 04011-8447)

I am completing a book on the Progressive critique of the Founding, using Theodore Roosevelt as the focal point. I argue that Roosevelt's approach to the social and economic problems of his day was influenced by two intellectual developments, Hegelian philosophy and evolutionary biology that, in Roosevelt's view, rendered the political principles of the Founders obsolete. The book begins with the Roosevelt's critique of the Declaration of Independence, especially its view of human nature and individual rights. It next takes up Roosevelt's objections to the Constitution, examining his views on limited government, the separation of powers, federalism, representative government, executive power, and the role of the judiciary.